“The expiration of Temporary Protected Status for roughly 350,000 Haitians and thousands of Syrians living in the United States, a country many call home, is inhumane and immoral. MIRA’s position has not changed. Forcing people back to conditions of extreme danger and violence will rip families and communities apart, and we recognize the harm this has already caused TPS holders, their families, and communities across Massachusetts. Haitian and Syrian TPS holders are also vital to our state’s workforce and economy, and their loss of status will be devastating. MIRA remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of all immigrants, and stands in solidarity with the Haitian and Syrian communities.” – Liz Sweet, Executive Director, MIRA Coalition
To the Haitian and Syrian families, neighbors, and community members across Massachusetts: MIRA sees you, and we stand with you.
On June 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Mullin v. Doe that the executive branch has broad authority to end Temporary Protected Status, and that courts do not have the power to review that decision. As a result, TPS-based work authorization ended for roughly 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians July 27, 2026. This ruling leaves individuals and families who have lived and worked in Massachusetts, in many cases for over a decade, without legal status or the ability to work, and at risk of removal to countries still facing serious danger and instability.
The expiration of Temporary Protected Status has upended lives that were already built here, in workplaces, schools, congregations, and neighborhoods across our state. This is not a reflection of the contributions Haitian and Syrian communities have made to Massachusetts, nor of the strength it has taken to rebuild lives here after fleeing violence and instability. It is the result of a policy decision, and it is one MIRA continues to oppose.
TPS has not ended because it is now safe for those TPS was created to protect to return to their countries of origin; nor does it take into account the significance of the resulting loss. This will be devastating to families, communities, schools, economy and workforce, not to mention the loss of the cultural contributions immigrants bring to the US when they choose to live here. It undermines so-called “American values” like freedom, safety, welcome, and innovation. We recognize the fear, uncertainty, and grief this moment has caused, and we want our community to know that support and information are available.
Below are resources we hope are helpful right now, organized into two areas: legal support and mental health and wellness.
Legal Resources
Whether you are exploring asylum or another path to status, need help understanding a legal notice, or want to put a family preparedness plan in place, the resources below can help. We also want to flag the risk of immigration legal scams, sometimes called “notario fraud,” where people posing as attorneys or accredited representatives charge for advice or paperwork they are not licensed to provide. Always verify credentials before paying for or accepting legal help.
- MIRA’s Immigration Legal Helpline: If you have legal questions please call (508) 293-1871 or schedule an appointment online here
- Upcoming Know Your Rights Community Trainings and Workshops at MIRA
- TPS Resources for Individuals and Employers (with link to page in Haitian Creole)
- Factsheet: End of TPS for Haiti and Syria – What Now?
- Family Preparedness Resources
- Immigration Scams and Notario Fraud Information
- Virtual immigration screening clinic for Syrian TPS holders The Syria TPS litigation team (Muslim Advocates, International Refugee Assistance Project, and Van Der Hout) are also partnering with Immigrant Justice Corp (IJC) to host a virtual immigration screening clinic for Syrian TPS holders. The purpose of the project is to help Syrian TPS holders apply for alternative immigration status to help ensure there is no break in lawful presence in the event that TPS is terminated.
Mental Health and Wellness
The stress of this moment affects entire communities, not only those directly facing loss of status. Children, extended family, coworkers, and friends may all be feeling the weight of this uncertainty. Culturally responsive mental health support and community wellness resources can help.
- City of Boston: Mental Health Resources for Immigrant Communities in Boston
- Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Services: Counseling Services
- Save Souls: Empowering Afro-Caribbean youths through mental health education, professional mentorship, and access to resources
- Immigrants Rising: National Mental Health Resources for Undocumented People
- USA Hello: Find Mental Health Resources for Immigrants and Refugees
- CSW Global Offering: Virtual Healing Spaces Join Lakou Tanama, a space where Haitian community members can come together to talk, listen, and support one another in a safe environment.